It's a xylophone right?
Nope!
No it is not a xylophone. Xylophones are made of wood. This is a vibraphone. It has aluminum bars, a sustain pedal, and even a motor that will make the instument sing like an angel. Xylophones are cool too, but that's not really what he plays.
Joe Kenney is a Vibraphonist living in southern Germany. Originally he is from Ocean City, New Jersey, a small beach town with a lovely community but not a lot of Jazz. He played primarily in rock and pop groups in his youth as a drummer and ocassional pianist. After school he studied music at Keene State College, in New Hampshire (2004-2008). There he studied drumset under Peter Moutis, classical percussion under Chris Swist. But it was with local saxophonist Scott Mullett that he discovered his love for Jazz. While in New England, he was active in the Jazz scene playing at the Vermont Jazz Center in Brattleboro, in various big bands around New Hampshire and western Massachusettes, as well as performing in pit bands in local theater groups, and local big bands.
After completing his studies he moved to Europe. First to Dublin, Ireland, where he worked as a drummer and teacher (2008-2010). Then to Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany, his current home. It was there he decided to swicth full time from drums to vibraphone. Since 2012 he has been teaching music at the Musik Akademie Villingen-Schwenningen. He performs frequently in the region in various settings and bands. When he isn't playing the vibes, he is feeling guilty for not practicing the vibes. However he will also occasionally jog, travel with wife, watch NFL games, and binge watch episodes of the Simpsons from the 1990s.
Professional timeline
- 2004 - Present - Professional Performer
- 2007 - 2008 Drumset Teacher - Vermont Academy
- 2008 - B.A. Music History - Keene State College
- 2008-2010 - Drumset Teacher - Sutton Park School - Dublin Ireland
- 2012 - Present - Percussion Teacher Musik Akademie Villingen-Schwenningen